Strategic Instruction Model (SIM)

Any approach that is taken needs to balance both the learning strategies for skill development and instructional enhancements for understanding content and concepts. Because of this, the Strategic Instruction model that was addressed in Module 3 will be covered again. The SIM model incorporates both strategic instruction and content enhancement. It helps to meet the performance gaps through the teaching of learning strategies and the information demands through content enhancement routines. This model for instruction helps practitioners deal with managing content and helps to close the performance gap for learners. It has incorporated most, if not all, of the instructional principles that have been identified as being effective with students with learning disabilities.²⁰ The SIM addresses how learners acquire information, helps learners work with information once they acquire it, and helps learners express themselves.

To be optimally effective, SIM must be put into action by practitioners who have clear visions of their roles, who possess high levels of efficacy, and who seek to show a strong sense of respect for their learners. In the absence of these things, all of the well-designed instructional procedures in the world will have an uphill battle in trying to improve the performance of students who are struggling to learn and struggling to feel good about themselves.²²